Thermal controlled cooking vessel



4Nov. 21, 1950 F. BERG Erm. 2,530,643

THERMAL CONTROLLED `COOKING VESSEL Filed March 26, 1948 Arfvs Patented Nov. 21, 1950 THERMAL CONTROLLED COOKING VESSEL Leo F. Berg, Oak Park, and Walter R. McDowell, Westchester, Ill., assigner: to Hotpoint Inc., a

corporation of New York Application March 26, 1948, Serial No. 17,248

4 Claims.

The present invention relates to thermal controlled cooking vessels. and more particularly to such a vessel that is arranged selectively to control heating thereof by the associated heating unit of an electric range.

In cooking on an electric range the manually operable multi-position control switch for a given surface heating unit is normally operated to its high position in order to cause heating of the heating unit at the corresponding high heating rate, and a cooking vessel containing food to be cooked is placed upon the heating unit. Subsequently, after the temperature of the food contained in the vessel is raised from the ambient temperature to a cooking temperature, the control switch is operated to its low position in order to cause heating of the heating unit at the corresponding low heating rate. This subsequent operation of the control switch is ordinarily necessary in order to prevent the food contained in the vessel from boiling over and spilling on the cooking top of the range supporting the heating unit. Moreover, there is usually no advantage in causing vigorous boiling of food incident to cooking thereof. and some. economy in the consumption of electric energy by the range may be effected by reducing the heating rate of the heating unit after the cooking temperature has been reached by the food contained in the supported vessel.

However, the time interval between initiation of heating at a high heating rate and cooking at a low heating rate is considerably variable depending upon many factors including the character and quantity of the food being cooked as well as the ambient temperature. For example. the interval may be considerably protracted when it is necessary first to thaw frozen foods. the cook must ordinarily make repeated observations ofthe initial step in the cooking process in order to determine the proper time to operate the control switch from its high position to its low position to effect the required reduction in the heating rate of the heating unit employed.

Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved thermal controlled cooking vessel for governing the heating rate of the heating unit of an electric range arranged in heat exchange relation with the vessel.

Another object of the invention is to providey an improved thermal controlled cooking vessel Thus l for effecting a reduction in the heating rate of the heating unit employed when a predetermined cooking temperature in the associated cooking vessel is reached.

(Cl. 20G-136.5)

A further object of the invention is to provide in a cooking vessel, improved temperature-responsive electric control facility.

Further features of the invention pertain to the particular arrangement of the elements of the cooking vessel, whereby the above-outlined and additional operating features thereof are attained.

The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following specification taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, in which Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electric range and a cooking vessel supportedby one of the heating units carried by the associated cooking top and embodying the present invention; Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view of the handle carried by the cooking vessel shown in Fig. l, illustrating the details of the electric control elements incorporated therein; and Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic illustration of the heating and control circuits and facility incorporated in the electric range and in the cooking vessel.

Referring now to Fig. 1 of the drawing, there is illustrated an electric range III and a cooking vessel il embodying the features of the present invention. More particularly, the range I! comprises an upstanding frame or body I2 provided with a substantially horizontally disposed cooking top IJ terminating adjacent to the rear thereof in an upwardly extending backsplasher Il. The body I2 comprises an oven disposed in the right-hand portion thereof below the cooking top I3 and having an open front closed by a suitable door I5, the door I 5 being hinged adjacent to the lower edge thereof in a manner not shown. Also the body I2 comprises a storage space disposed in the left-hand portion thereof below the cooking top I3 and receiving movable drawer structure I6. The left-hand upper surface oi' the cooking top Il carries four surface heating units I1. Il, I! and 20. The oven is provided with a heating circuit including a multi-position control switch 2| of the rotary type mounted upon the backsplasher I4; and the heating units I'l, il, IS and 20 are respectively provided with heating circuits respectively including multi-position control switches, 22. 23, 24 and 25 of the rotary type mounted upon the backsplasher Il. The heating units I1, Il, I9 and 20 are arranged in a substantially rectangular pattern upon vthe lefthand upper surface of the cooking top il and are hereinafter respectively referred to as .the

left front, the left rear, the right rear and the right front surface heating units.

As shown in Fig. 2, the cooking vessel II is formed of aluminum or the like and comprises a substantially cylindrical side wall 3| provided with a connecting bottom wall, not shown, and an open top having an outwardly flared rim 32 that is adapted internally to receive the outwardly flared rim of a cooperating removable cover 33. Also the vessel comprises a hollow handle, indicated generally at 34, and including an inner hollow housing 35 that is substantially rectangular in vertical cross-section and a connecting substantially cylindrical outwardly directed tubular sleeve 36, the housing 35 and the sleeve 36 being formed integrally of die cast aluminum or the like. The inner end of a tube 31, formed of die cast aluminum or the like, is arranged within the sleeve 36 and rigidly secured thereto, the extreme inner end of the tube 31 abutting an end wall 38 of the housing 35. The interior of the tube 31 communicates through an aligned opening 39 formed in the end wall 36 with a cavity 46 formed in the housing 35. A hollow handle gripping element 4| is arranged mutually over the outer end of the tube 31 and the outer end of the sleeve 36 and is mutually rigidly secured thereto, the handle element 4| being formed of a suitable thermal insulating material that is also impervious to water, such as Bakelite or the like.

The inner open end of the housing 35 is nor mally closed by an upstanding substantially rectangular shoe 42 removably secured in watertight relation with the inner end of the housing 35 by screws or the like, not shown. The shoe 42 is formed of die cast aluminum or other good thermal-conducting material and has an upstanding partially cylindrical face or surface 43 adapted nicely to iit the associated cylindrical side wall 3|. A downwardly turned ange 3|a, also formed of aluminum or the like, is rigidly secured to the upper portion of the cylindrical side wall 3| just below the outwardly flared rim 32 in order to provide an overhanging shoulder adapted to receive an upstanding toe 44 formed on the upper end of the shoe 42. Also a threaded element 45, formed of aluminum or the like, is rigidly secured to the cylindrical side wall 3| just below the heel of the shoe 42 and arranged to receive a screw 46 extending through an opening formed in a downwardly projecting lug 41 carried by the lower portion of the housing 35. Specifically, the screw 46 normally projects through the opening formed in the lug 41, and the shank thereof is threaded into the opening formed in the element 45; whereby the housing 35 is normally removably secured to the cyline drical side wall 3|, the surface 43 provided on the shoe 42 nicely fitting the cylindrical side wall 3| so that the shoe 42 is normally disposed in good heat conducting relation with the cylindrical side wall 3|. Of course, it will be understood that the handle 34, as a whole, may be removed from the cylindrical side wall 3| by removing the screw 46 and then tilting it upwardly so that the heel of the shoe 42 passes over the element 45 permitting the toe 44 of the shoe 42 to be disengaged from the overhanging flange 3Ia. Subsequently the handle 34, as a whole, may be again replaced upon the cylindrical side wall 3| in a reverse manner and secured in place by the screw 46.

As previously noted the connection between the shoe 42 and the housing 35 is water-tight; whereby the cavity 4U formed within the housing 35 is closed to the exterior but communicates through the opening 33 with the interior of the tube 31. However, the shoe 42 may be removed from the end of the housing 35 by removing the screws, not shown, permitting access to the interior of the cavity 46. The shoe 42 constitutes a portion of a thermostatic control switch 50 carried thereby and arranged within the cavity 40. Speciilcally, the thermostatic control switch 5l comprises the hose or shoe 42- and a thermalresponsive element 5| of the bi-metallic type, the upper end of which is rigidly secured to the upper portion of the shoe 42 in good heat conducting relation therewith by an arrangement including a rivet 52. The lower portion of the shoe 42 carries an outwardly projecting lug 53 having a threaded opening therein into which an adjustable screw 54 is arranged and secured in adjusted position by a surrounding lock-nut 55. The upper end of the screw 54 terminates in a semi-spherical pivot or support 56; and a substantially U-shaped resilient steel thrust-spring or leaf-spring 51 is arranged between the pivot 56 and the lower end of the bi-metallic element 5|. Specifically, the lower end of the leaf -spring 51 has a depression 53 formed therein which receives the upper end of the pivot 56; and the upper end of the leaf-spring 51 has a saddle 59 formed therein that receives a substantial knife edge provided on the lower end of the bi-metallic element 5|. When the shoe 42 is cold the bimetallic element 5| is biased in the clockwise direction toward the shoe 42 by virtue of the internal stresses therein; whereby the extreme upper end of the leaf-spring 51 is moved into engagement with an outwardly extending abutment or stop 6l) carried by the shoe 42 and limiting further movement of the bi-metallic element 5| and the leaf-spring 51 toward the shoe 42.

Also the thermostatic control switch 5D comprises an outwardly projecting element 6| carrying an insulating plate 62 supporting two spacedapart electrical terminals 63 and 64. The inner end of the terminal 64 terminates in a stationary contact 65 which cooperates with a movable contact 66 carried by insulating structure 61 supported by the bi-metallic element 5| adjacent to the lower end thereof; the movable contact 66 being electrically connected to the terminal 63 by a flexible conductor 65. Accordingly, the contacts 65 and 66 are normally disengaged electrically dlsconnecting the terminals 63 and 64, when the shoe 42 is cold. As the shoe 42 is heated, the temperature of the lai-metallic element 5| is raised causing the bi-metallic elements to be biased in the counter-clockwise direction away from the shoe 42, which initial movement is restrained by the leaf-spring 51. However, when the bias of the bi-metallic element 5| away from the shoe 42 becomes suillciently great the opposing bias of the leaf-spring 51 is overcome causing the bimetallic element 5| and the leaf-spring 51 to move away from the shoe 42 with a snap action; whereby the movable contact 66 engages the stationary contact 65 in order electrically to connect the terminals 63 and 64. The temperature at which the thermostatic switch 50 is operated from its open position to its closed position as described above is determined jointly by the temperature of the shoe 42 and by the initial bias upon the leaf-spring 51 as established by the adjusted position of the screw 54. Accordingly, by suitably adjusting the screw 54, the initial bias upon the leaf-spring 51 may be varied; whereby atadas the temperature at which the thermostatic switch I6 is operated from its open position to its closed position may be selectively established. After the operating temperature of the thermostatic switch has thus been established by appropriately adjusting the screw 54, the lock-nut 56 is again set in order to retain the adjustment mentioned. In the present example, the screw 54 is so ad- Justed that the thermostatic switch 56 is operated from its open position to its closed position when the shoe 42 is heated by the cylindrical side wall 8| as a consequence of the contents of the vessel II reaching a temperature of approximately 210 F. ory slightly below the normal boiling point of water.

Of course, when the vessel II is removed from the associated heating unit the cylindrical side wall 3|, and consequently the shoe 42, cool; and when a predetermined lower temperature is reached by the shoe 42, the bias of the bi-metallic element I toward the shoe 42 overcomes the opposing bias of the leaf-spring 51; whereby the bi-metallic element 5I and the leaf-spring 61 are moved toward the shoe 42 with a snap action causing the extreme upper end of the leaf-spring 51 to engage the outer end of the stop 66 in order to limit further movement thereoi. Thus the movable contact 66 is moved into disengagement with the stationary contact 65 with a snap action electrically disconnecting the terminals 63 and 64.

The outer end of the handle element 4| has a recess 1| formed therein into which a tubular sleeve 12 is arranged, the inner end of the tubular sleeve 12 being internally threaded as indicated at 13 and receiving an externally threaded portion of the outer end of the tube 31 as indicated at 14. The sleeve 12 is formed of a suitable electrical insulating material that is also impervious to water, such as Bakelite or the like, and is sealed to the surrounding wall of the handle element 4I. Moreover, the joint between the threaded portions 13 and 14 of the sleeve 12 and of the tube 31, respectively, is water-tight; and the handle element 4I is sealed both to the tube 31 and to the sleeve 36 as previously noted. A plug 15 formed of electrical insulating material that is also impervious to water, such as Bakelite or the like, is arranged within the opening formed in the sleeve 12 and sealed to the surrounding wall thereof; which plug 15 has imbedded therein two male electric terminals or connecting elements 16 and 11 arranged in spaced-apart relation. Accordingly, the plug 15 being formed of water impervious material seals the plug elements 16 and 11 in place within the sleeve 12 in order to provide an electric connector or plug disposed wholly within the recess 1I and impervious to water. The inner ends of the plug elements 16 and 11 are hollow and are electrically wired by two conductors 18 and 19, respectively, to the terminals 63 and 64. Specifically, one end of the conductor 18 is arranged within the hollow plug element 16 and brazed or otherwise secured in place; and the other end of the conductor 18 is suitably secured to the terminal 63 by a removable screw 86. Likewise, one end of the conductor 19 is arranged within the hollow plug element 11 and brazed or otherwise secured in place; and the other end of the conductor 19 is suitably secured to the terminal 64 by a removable nut 8|. Finally,`the conductors 18 and 19 are provided with suitable high temperature insulating jackets 82 and 83, respectively, that may be of the braided type. Accordingly, the plug 15 disposed wholly within the recess 1I formed in the handle element 4I and comprising the plug elements 16 and 11 is electrically connected by the conductors 18 and 19 extending through the tube 31 to the terminals 63 and 64 carried by the insulating plate 62. Thus it will be understood that the thermostatic switch 56 is operative selectively to complete and to interrupt the electrical connection between the plug elements 16 and 11.

Since the inner end of the housing is completely closed by the shoe 42, and since the recess 1I formed in the outer end of the handle element 4I is completely closed by the plug 15 and the sleeve 12. and since the handle element 4I is impervious to water, the vessel Il, as a whole, may be immersed in water incident to washing thereof without water entering the cavity 46 and the interior of the tube 31 and the consequent damage to the` electrical equipment. This arrangement is very-,advantageous as it is not necessary to detach or to remove the handle 34 from the cylindrical wall 3| incident to washing or storing the vessel II. Moreover, since the plug elements 16 and 11 of the plug 15 are -disposed entirely within the recess 1I formed in the outer end of the handle element 4| there is no danger of injury thereto incident to storing the vessel I| by contacting other stored cooking equipment.

Also the backsplasher I4carries a receptacle 96 of the female type adapted detachably to receive a plug 9| of the male type carried by one end of a detachable connector or insulated conductor cable 92. The other end of the cable 92 carries a socket 93 of the female type that is adapted to be detachably connected to the plug 15 arranged in the outer end of the handle element 4| Preferably, the receptacle 96 is of unique construction adapted to receive the cooperating plug 9| of the unique construction mentioned but is of such character that it is not capable of accepting a conventional outlet plug provided on an ex tension cord associated with an electric toaster or other appliance. This arrangement permits ready insertion of the plug 9| into the receptacle 96. but prevents improper insertion of conventional outlet plugs thereinto. Also the socket 93 is so constructed and arranged that it may be readily reecived within the recess 1I formed in the outer end of the handle element 4I and supported thereby in engagement with the plug 15 arranged therein. Finally, the cable 92 is of a predetermined length such that when the connector or plug 9| is in engagement with the connector or receptacle and the connector or socket 93 is in engagement with the connector or plug 15 arranged within the outer end of the handle 34, the vessel II may be supported on the right rear surface heating unit I9, but the vessel II may not be supported on any of the other surface heating units I1, I8 and 20. In other words. the rcable 92 is not long enough to establish the connection mentioned between the. backsplasher I4 and the handle 34 and to permit the vessel II to be supported by any surface unit other than the right rear surface unit I9. This arrangement is very advantageous as it permits control by the thermostatic switch 50 incorporated in the vessel II of the circuit network associated with the receptacle 9|) only when the vessel II is supported by the right rear surface unit I9, which, in turn. is governed by the circuit network mentioned, as more fully explained hereinafter.

Considering now the heating and control circuit arrangement in greater detail, the range I8 comprises, as shown in Fig. 3. a source of cur-v rent supply ofthe three-wire Edison type. which may be 230 volts A. C., including a neutral conductor |i and two other conductors |02 and |03, hereinafter referred to as outside conductors. As previously noted, the heating and control circuit of the right rear surface heating unit I9 comprises a multi-position switch 24 of the rotary type that is adapted operatively to connect the heating unit I9 to the source mentioned. Preferably the switch 24 is oi the six-position rotary type disclosed in U. S. Patent No. 2,203,236. granted on June 4, 1940 to Charles P. Randolph. This rotary switch 24 comprises on, high, second, third, low and warm control positions; wherein corresponding circuit connectiom are established between the source mentioned and the heating element I9 in accordance with Figs.` 6 to li, respectively, of the drawings in the Randolph patent. Specifically. the switch 24 comprises the three power terminals illustrated that are respectively connected to the conductors |0I, I 02 and |03 oi' the source mentioned and six load terminals III, II2, I|3, ||4. IIS and IIS that are operatively connected to the heating unit I9 in a manner more fully explained hereinafter. Specifically, the load terminals III, ||3 and IIB are connected to a conductor |2|; the load terminals ||2 and |I4 are connected to a conductor |22; and the load terminal IIS is connected to a conductor |23. When the switch 24 occupies its off position, the power conductors |0I, |02 and I 03 are disconnected from each of the load terminals i I I to IIS, inclusive, by the switching mechanism incorporated in the casing thereof. When the switch 24 occupies its high position, the power conductor |03 is commonly connected to the load terminals IIS and H6 and the power conductor |02 is connected to the load terminal |I4.4 When the switch 24 occupies its second position, the power conductors |02 and |03 are respectively connected to the load terminals II4 and IIS. When the switch 24 occupies its third position, the power conductors |02 and |03 are respectively connected to the load terminals ||3 and IIB. When the switch 24 occupies its low position, the power conductors I 0| and |03 are respectively connected to the load terminals I|2 and IIB. When the switch 24 occupies its warm position the power conductors 0| and I 03 are respectively connected to the load terminals III and I I6.

Also the switching apparatus incorporated in the circuit network comprises, in addition to the multi-position rotary switch 24, a relay provided with a bridging element |3| normally closing back contacts extending between the conductor I2I and the left-hand outer terminal of the heating unit I9, the heating unit i9 being of the twosection type. Also the relay |30 includes a bridge element |32 normally closing bacc contacts extending between the conductor |22 and the mid-tap of the heating unit I9 and adapted to close front contacts extending between the power conductor I0| and the mid-tap of the heating unit I9. Finally, the conductor |23 is directly connected to the right-hand terminal of the heating unit i9. Accordingly, it will be understood that when the relay |30 occupies its restored position, the connections between the heating unit I9v and the source of current are selectively established directly by the rotary switch 24. Specifically, when the rotary switch 24 occupies its oil' position, the heating unit I9 is disconnected from the source mentioned. When the rotary switch 24 occupies its high position the two sections of the heating unit I3 are connected in |02 and |03 of the source.

multiple across the outside conductors |33 and |43 of the source. When the rotary switch 24 occupies its second position, the right-hand section of the heating unit I9 is connected across the outside conductors I 02 and |03 o! the source. When the rotary switch 24 occupies its third position, the two sections of the heating unit I3 are connected in series across the outside conductors When the rotary switch 24 occupies its low position. the right-hand section of the heating unit I9 is connected across the neutral conductor |0I and the outside conductor |03 of the source. When the rotary switch 24 occupies its warm position, the two sections of the heating unit I9 are connected in series across the neutral conductor IOI and the outside conductor |03 of the source. Thus it will be understood that when the rotary switch 24 occupies any one of its control positions, other than its o!! position, the heating unit I3 is heated at a corresponding rate and that the outside conductor |03 of the source is .connected to the conductor |23. Finally, in the circuit network the winding of the relay |30 is connected between the neutral conductor |0| of the source and one terminal of the receptacle while the conductor |23 is directly connected to the other terminal of the receptacle 90.

Considering now the operation of the range I0 in conjunction with the vesselii, the cook places the food to be cooked into the vessel II and then places the vessel |I upon the right rear heating unit I9. Then the plug V9| is inserted into the receptacle 90 and the socket 93 is inserted into the recess 'Ii formed in the outer end of the handle 34; whereby the socket 93 engages the plug 15. As previously noted when the detachable connector 02 is arranged between the receptacle 30 and the handle 34, it is possible to place the vessel II only upon the right rear heating unit I9. At this time the cover 33 is placed upon the vessel II and the associated rotary switch 24 is operated to its high position. Also, at this time the thermostatic switch 30 occupies its open position since the shoe 42 is cold; whereby the relay |30 occupies its restored position rendering the heating circuit of the right rear heating unit I9 entirely under the control of the rotary switch 24. Since the rotary switch 24 occupies its high position, the two sections of the heating unit I9 are connected in multiple across the outside conductors |02 and I 03 of the source causing the heating unit i9 to develop heat at a high rate. Specifically, the outside conductor |03 is connected via the load terminal I I6` to the conductor |23 and consequently to the right-hand terminal of the heating unit I9; the outside conductor |03 is connected via the load terminal IIS, the conductor |2| and the back contacts associated with the bridging element I 3| to the left-hand terminal of the heating unit I9; and the outside conductor |02 is connected via the load terminal |I4, the conductor |22 and the back contacts associated with the bridging element |32 to the mid-tap of the heating unit I9.

The vessel II and the contained food to be cooked is accordingly heated at a high rate by the heating unit I9; whereby `the temperature of the shoe 42 rises from the ambient temperature; and when the food contained in the vessel reaches a temperature of approximately 210 F., the thermostatic switch 50 is operated from its open position to its closed position. At this time the food contained in the vessel II has Just begun to boil and will continue vigorous boiling associa shortly unless the rate o! heating of the heating unit I9 is reduced; whereby the food contained 'in the vessel I| may boil over and spill upon the heating unit I9 and the associated cooking top I3. However, this accident is prevented in the present arrangement by virtue of the fact that the thermostatic switch 50 is operated from its open position to its closed position at this time, completing a circuit extending between the neutral conductor and the outside conductor |33 for energizing the winding oi the relay |30; whereby the relay is operated. The circuit mentioned extends from the neutral conductor III via the winding of the relay |30, one conductor of the receptacle-plug 90-9|, one conductor in the cable 92, one conductor in the socket-plug 93-15, one conductor in the handle 34, the contacts of the thermostatic switch 50, the other conductor in the handle 34, the other contact of the socket-plug 93-15, the other conductor in the cable 92, the other conductor in the receptacle-plug 90-9I, the conductor |23 and the switching mechanism in the casing of the rotary switch 24 to the outside conductor |03.

Upon operating the relay |30 interrupts, at the bridging element |3I and the associated back contacts and at the bridging element |32 and the associated back contacts, the initial circuit established between the source and the heating unit I9 by the rotary switch 24; and completes, at the bridging element |32 and the associated front contacts, an alternative heating circuit between the source and the heating unit I9 kvia the rotary switch 24. Speciilcally, the outside conductor |03 is connected via the switching apparatus in the casing of the rotary' switch 24 by way oi the load terminal I I 9 and the conductor |23 to the right-hand terminal of the" heating unit I9; and the neutral conductor |0I is directly connected by the bridging element |32 and the associated front contacts to the midtap of the heatingV element I9.v Accordingly, upon operating the relay |30 interrupts the initial circuit for connecting the two sections of the heating unit |9 in multiple across the outside conductors |02 and |03 and corresponding to a high heating rate; and completes the alternative circuit for connecting the right-hand section of the heating unit 9 across the neutral conductor |0| and the outside conductor |03 and corresponding to a low heating rate. Thus 'at this time the switching apparatus, as a whole,

including the rotary switch 24 and the contacts controlled by the operated relay |30, occupies a' low heatvposition; whereby the vessel and the contained food is heated by the heating unit I9 at the low heating rate in order to prevent undue boiling of the contained food. This arrangement is very advantageous in view of the fact that it not only conserves electric energy, but it also prevents undue vigorous boiling of the food contained in the vessel Il and the likelihood of the contained food boiling over upon the heating unit I9 and the associated cooking top I3.

Should the cook subsequently remove the cover 33.1'iom the vessel and add into the contained food a great quantity of very cold water there is the possibility that the temperature of the cooking food is lowered sumciently to effect cooling of the shoe 42 to such an extent that the thermostatic switch is operated from its closed -position toits open position. In this event,

when the thermostatic switch 50 is operated l0 from its closed position to its open position, the circuit for retaining operated the relay |30 is interrupted, causing the relay |30 to restore in order to recomplete the initial circuit for supplying heat to the heating unit I9 at the high rate. Thereafter, when the contents of the vessel is heated to a temperature of approximately 210 F., the shoe 42 isagain heated in order to eect operation of the thermostatic switch 50 from its open position to its closed position; whereby the relay |30 is reoperated in order again to cornplete the alternative circuit for supplying heat to the heating unit I9 at the low rate. Accordingly, the thermostatic switch 50 is operative not only to `reduce the heating rate of the heating unit I9. in response to heating of the contents of the vessel II to the predetermined cooking condition previously mentioned, but it is also operative to increase the heating rate of the heating unit I9 in response to cooling of the contents of the vessel II below the predetermined cooking condition previously mentioned.

In the normal operation of the apparatus the thermostatic switch 50 reduces the heating rate of the heating unit I9 after the contents of the vessel is heated to the predetermined cooking condition mentioned and thereafter cooking of the contents of the vessel proceeds at the low rate for the required time interval dependent upon the character o! the food undergoing the cooking process. After the food contained in the vessel I| has been appropriately cooked, the cook operates the rotary switch 24 to its off position, thereby interrupting the connection between the outside conductor |03 and the conductor |23 and consequently interrupting the alternative circuit for supplying heat to the heating unit I9 and the circuit for retaining operated the relay |30. Thus the relay |30 restores, further interrupting the alternative circuit for supplying heat to theheating unit I9 and again preparing the initial circuit for supplying heat to the heating unit I9. However, no further heat isy actually supplied to the heating unit I9, since the rotary switch 24 occupies its oil position. At this time the cook removes the detachable cable 92 withdrawing the plug 9| from the receptacle 90 and withdrawing the socket 93 from the plug l5 arranged in the outer'end of the handle 34. The vessel I| may then be removed from the heating unit I9 utilizing the thermally insulating handle element 4| of the handle structure 34.

After the contents of the vessel has been removed to a suitable dish, the vessel Il, as a whole, may be washed as there is no danger of water entering the internal structure of the handle 34 and damaging the electrical apparatus incorporated therein, including the thermostatic switch 50. Since the electrical apparatus incorporatcd in the handle structure 34 is rigidly secured in place no particular care must be exercised in washing the vessel or in placing it in storage after use. In passing it is noted that since the detachable cable 92 terminates in the plug 9| and in the socket 93, there is no danger of short-circuits or false control of the relay |30 should either the plug 9| become disengaged from the receptacle or the socket 93 become disengaged from the plug 15 incorporated in the handle 34 incident to operation of the range I0 in conjunction with the vessel Specifically, should the plug 9| become disengaged from the receptacle 90, all of the exterior circuits are disconnected; and on the other hand, in the event the socket 93 should become disengaged from assaosa the plug Il incorporated in the handle Il, there is no danger of short-circuits or false operation oi the relay |30 as the socket 93 being of the iemale type is not capable ci completing a circuit even though it does strike the metal cooking top I3. In utilizing the range ill in conjunction with the vessel il there is no possibility of damaging the cable 92 by heating it since the cable 92 is too short to extend over any one of the heating units i9, etc., the cable 92 being only long enough to reach between the back-splasher il and the handle 34 when the vessel Il is supported upon the heating unit I9.

In view of the foregoing it is apparent that there has been provided an improved cooking vessel that is selectively operative to control heating thereof by the associated heating unit of an electric range.

While there has been described what is at present considered to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be understood that various modifications may be made therein, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A cooking vessel comprising wall structure, an elongated handle, means including cooperatns parts respectively carried by said wall structure and by the inner end of said handle for detachably securing the inner end oi said handle to said wall structure. a cavity formed in the inner end of said handle adjacent to said wall structure and closed to the exterior, a thermostatic control switch arranged within said cavity and disposed in good heat conducting relation to said wall structure, a reces formed in the outer end of said handle and open to the exterior, an electrical connecting iixture secured within said recess to said handle and closing the interior of said handle to the exterior and adapted detachably to receive another cooperating connecting fixture from the exterior, and wiring extending through said handle and interconnecting said control switch and said mst-mentioned connecting xture.

2. A cooking vessel comprising substantially cylindrical upstanding metal wall structure, an elongated handle having nrst and second openended recesses respectively formed in the inner and outer ends thereof, a metal plate secured to the inner end of said handle and closing the open end of said rst recess and defining a cavity in the inner end of said handle closed to the exterior, said plate having a substantially partially cylindrical upstanding concavity formed in the outer surface thereof and adapted to receive a portion of said wall structure, means including cooperating parts respectively carried by said wall structure and by the inner end of said handle for detachably securing said plate to said wall structure in good heat conducting relation thereto, a thermostatic control switch arranged in said cavity and disposed in good heat conducting relation to said plate, a connecting ilxture secured within said second recess to said handle and sealing the interior of said handle to the ex- 12 terior and adapted detachably to receive another cooperating connecting nxture from the exterior, and wiring extending through said handle and interconnecting said control switch and said first-mentioned connecting nxture.

3. A cooking vessel comprising wall structure, an elongated handle, means including cooperating parts respectively carried by said wall structure and by the inner end of said handle for detachably securing the inner end of said handle to said wall structure. a cavity formed in the inner end oi said handle adjacent to said wall structure and closed to the exterior, a thermostatic control switch arranged within said cavity and disposed in good heat conducting relation to said wall structure, a recess formed in the outer end of said handle and open to the exterior, a plug arranged within said recess and adapted to receive a cooperating detachable socket from the exterior, an opening formed through said handle and communicating between said cavity and said recess, and wiring arranged in said opening and interconnecting said control switch and said plug, said plug being impervious to waterand sealed to the surrounding wall of said handle and the wall of said handle being impervious to water so that said vessel as a whole may be immersed in waterincident to washing thereof without water entering into said cavity or said opening and the consequent damage to said control switch and said wiring.

4. A cooking vessel comprising wall structure, an elongated handle, means including cooperating parts respectively carried by said wall structure and by the inner end of said handle for detachably securing the inner end of said handle to said wall structure, a cavity formed in the inner end of said handle adjacent to said wall structure and closed to the exterior, a thermostatic control switch arranged within said cavity and disposed in good heat conducting relation to said wall structure, a recess formed in the outer end of said handle and open to the exterior, a plug arranged within the inner end of said recess and closing the interior of said handle to the exterior and adapted to cooperate with a socket detachably secured in the outer end of said recess. said plug including outwardly directed contact elements wholly disposed within said recess so that the end of said handle protects them against injury incident to washing of said vessel as a. whole, and wiring extending through said handle and interconnecting said control switch and said plug.

LEO F. BERG. WALTER R. MCDOWELL.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the tile oi' this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,061,419 Ettinger et al Nov. 17, 1936 2,207,871 Myers July 16,` 1940 2,410,013 Clark Oct. 29, 1946 2,422,974 Newell June 24, 1947 2,440,128 Sullivan Apr. 20, 1948 

